Constant Thirst and Dehydration Despite High Water Intake
Over the past few weeks, I've been feeling an insatiable thirst and consuming between 12 to 16 cups of water daily. I find myself visiting the restroom approximately every hour or two, with the fluid passing through my system almost immediately. I have experimented with electrolyte powders and drinks like Gatorade, yet they do not appear to alleviate my symptoms. My lab test results suggest mild dehydration; however, conditions such as high blood sugar, as well as kidney, liver, and thyroid disorders have been ruled out. I would appreciate any advice on the next steps to address this issue. Some of my lab values that are abnormal or borderline include: - RBC: 5.4 - Hemoglobin: 15.6 - Hematocrit%: 49.3 - MCHC: 31.6 - BUN: 8 - Calcium: 10.2 - Bilirubin total: 1.1 - Albumin: 5.2 - A/G ratio: 2.51 - Iron, total: 180 - % Iron saturation: 56 - A1C: 4.7 Recently, I haven’t been very active, so I'm not perspiring much, and my caffeine and alcohol intake is minimal. I do use cannabis twice a week. My diet has been vegan for about four months. Although I take several medications and supplements, none have undergone adjustments recently, leading healthcare providers to suggest that developing side effects long after starting these would be unusual. My current regimen includes: - 40mg Vilazodone - 40mg Vyvanse - 20mg Propranolol - 300mg Wellbutrin - 100mg Doxycycline - 500mg American Ginseng - 15mg L-Methylfolate - 400mg Riboflavin - .30ml Testosterone weekly - A multivitamin that seems to have an excessive amount of iron. I am an 18-year-old transgender male, standing 5'3" and weighing 128 pounds. If more lab results or additional details would be helpful, please let me know. Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 1:41:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your constant thirst and dehydration, especially given your high water intake and lab results. Several factors may contribute to your symptoms, including dietary changes, medications, or underlying conditions that may not have been fully evaluated yet.
Explanation
Coping with an insatiable thirst and frequent urination can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Since common conditions like diabetes, kidney issues, and thyroid disorders have been excluded, we might consider other explanations. These can include:
- Dietary Factors: A vegan diet can sometimes lead to imbalances or deficiencies that might cause symptoms, especially with high fluid intake.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause dry mouth or increase urination. Overall, the combination of medications you're taking could also be influencing your hydration status.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Even though you experimented with electrolyte solutions, it might be worth looking into whether there's an insufficient balance in your diet.
Next Steps
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Maintain a Symptom Diary: Keep track of your daily water intake, urination patterns, food intake, and any symptoms you note. This can help you and your healthcare provider understand trends and triggers.
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Review Medications Carefully: Consider discussing your current medication regimen with a healthcare provider to evaluate potential interactions or side effects, particularly relating to thirst and urination.
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Adjust Your Diet: Since you’re following a vegan diet, ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs, especially electrolytes and hydration. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Pay attention to potassium and magnesium-rich foods (like bananas, spinach, and nuts) and consider limiting high-iron foods if your multivitamin offers excess.
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Hydration Strategy: While it's essential to stay hydrated, it might help to gradually reduce your intake to see if your symptoms change. Ensure you balance your fluids with electrolytes through natural sources (like coconut water or broths).
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Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist, it may be beneficial to seek further evaluation from an endocrinologist or a nutrition specialist who can provide more targeted insight into hydration and dietary needs.
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Monitor Other Symptoms: Pay attention to any new symptoms, like fatigue, weakness, or changes in mood, that could suggest additional medical evaluation is necessary.
These steps focus on understanding your symptoms better and ensuring your body is getting what it needs. Please reach out if you have any other questions or need further information.
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